Funnel-Type Apparatus Removably Securable to a Concrete Chute

ABSTRACT

A funnel-type apparatus removably securable to a concrete chute having a retainer element coupled to a funnel element. The funnel element includes a downwardly sloping base forming an aperture for concrete to flow through, and the aperture may be any shape or size. Bearings, sprockets, rollers or other rotatable mechanisms may be included to allow the funnel element to rotate 360° with respect to the retainer element. The retainer element may include a gasket forming a seal with the funnel element to prevent concrete from impeding rotation. The retainer element may be hingedly secured to the concrete chute allowing the retainer element to be adjusted such that it is substantially horizontal while pouring concrete, independent of the angle of the concrete chute. The funnel-type apparatus may be in communication with the concrete truck, thus allowing the rotation and adjustment of the funnel-type apparatus to be controlled by electronics, such that the operator may be located in the cab of the truck or other location.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a funnel-type apparatus removablysecurable to a concrete chute, and more particularly to a funnel-typeapparatus removably securable to a concrete chute comprising a retainerelement coupled to a funnel element having an aperture for directing theflow of concrete to a desired location.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

It is common practice to make concrete in a transit-mixer truck duringtransit from a supply station to a worksite and to dispense the mixedslurry of concrete by means of an elongate, rigid, upwardly openingU-shaped metal concrete chute having a receiver end related to thedischarge end of a mixing drum rotatably mounted relative to thetransit-mixture truck and a discharge end which is adapted to bearranged upwardly from the situs or the item onto or into which theslurry is to be deposited. The receiver end of the concrete chute istypically mounted adjacent to the mixing drum so that it can be swung orpivoted in a horizontal plane as circumstances require. Further,ordinary concrete chutes are mounted so as to provide for the horizontaland/or vertical adjustments of its discharge end.

These ordinary concrete chutes are often inconvenient and difficult touse, especially if the concrete is intended for deposit in a narrow orirregularly-shaped form or in a form where the dimensions areexceptionally small. Typical of the confined spaces are footings, wallforms, masonry block cells, wall framings, casting molds or otherconfined spaces. While these forms are very useful, they are difficultto make. The tight space confines in these and other closely confinedareas lead to great difficulties while pouring concrete.

An advantage of the funnel-type apparatus is that it can be secured to avariety of different types of chutes. In this fashion, the funnel-typeapparatus can be removed from one concrete chute to another without thenecessity of having a plurality of funnel-type apparatus in stock.

It is therefore desirable to provide a funnel-type apparatus removablysecurable to a concrete chute that efficiently and effectively directsthe flow of concrete from the concrete chute in order to minimize oravoid waste and clean up.

It is further desirable to provide a funnel-type apparatus removablysecurable to a concrete chute which avoids wasting material and assistsin the directing of the material flow.

It is still further desirable to provide a funnel-type apparatusremovably securable to a concrete chute for directing the flow ofconcrete from a concrete chute of a concrete mixer.

It is yet further desirable to provide a funnel-type apparatus removablysecurable to a concrete chute that permits filling of masonry blockwalls.

It is yet further desirable to provide a funnel-type apparatus removablysecurable to a concrete chute that permits the filling of confinedspaces with concrete.

It is yet further desirable to provide a funnel-type apparatus removablysecurable to a concrete chute that may be fitted to a variety ofconcrete chutes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, in a first aspect, the invention relates to a funnel-typeapparatus removably securable to a concrete chute including a retainerelement having a sidewall and a receiving section for receipt of theconcrete chute and a funnel element having a downwardly sloping base andforming an aperture through which concrete flows to a desired point. Theretainer element is coupled to the funnel element.

The retainer element may be coupled to the funnel element to form aunitary funnel-type apparatus. The retainer element may be rotatablycoupled to the funnel element. The retainer element may include agasket. The retainer element may include a collar having a plurality ofbearings rotatably coupled to a lip of the funnel element. The retainerelement may be rotatably coupled to a lip of the funnel element. Theretainer element may be rotatably coupled to the lip of the funnelelement using a lever lock ring, which may include a plurality ofbearings.

The sidewall may be generally U-shaped having a first terminal end and asecond terminal end. The first terminal end and the second terminal endof the sidewall may include a primary hinge hole to adjustably securethe funnel-type apparatus to the concrete chute. The first terminal endand the second terminal end of the sidewall may include a plurality ofadjustment holes circumferentially spaced from the primary hinge hole.The adjustment holes capable of receipt of an alignment bolt allowingthe funnel-type apparatus to be adjusted independent of the angle of theconcrete chute.

The funnel-type apparatus may have at least one handle. The funnel-typeapparatus may further have a remote operating mechanism allowing anoperator to rotate or adjust the funnel-type apparatus from a cab of amixer truck or other location. The funnel-type apparatus may beconstructed of a light-weight, non-reactive polymer, plastic or metal.The aperture formed in the base of the funnel element can be adjustableto accurately control the flow of concrete.

In general, in a second aspect, the invention relates to a funnel-typeapparatus removably securable to a concrete chute. The funnel-typeapparatus has a retainer element having a substantially annular lowersection, a sidewall and a receiving section for receipt of said concretechute and a substantially annular funnel clement having a downwardlysloping base and forming an aperture through which concrete flows to adesired point. The lower section of the retainer element is coupled tothe funnel element.

The retainer element may be coupled to the funnel element to form aunitary funnel-type apparatus. The retainer element may be rotatablycoupled to the funnel element. The retainer element may include agasket. The retainer element may include a collar having a plurality ofbearings rotatably coupled to a lip of the funnel element. The retainerelement may be rotatably coupled to a lip of the funnel element. Theretainer element may be rotatably coupled to the lip of the funnelelement using a lever lock ring, which may include a plurality ofbearings.

The sidewall may be generally U-shaped having a first terminal end and asecond terminal end. The first terminal end and the second terminal endof the sidewall may include a primary hinge hole to adjustably securethe funnel-type apparatus to the concrete chute. The first terminal endand the second terminal end of the sidewall may include a plurality ofadjustment holes circumferentially spaced from the primary hinge hole.The adjustment holes capable of receipt of an alignment bolt allowingthe funnel-type apparatus to be adjusted independent of the angle of theconcrete chute.

The funnel-type apparatus may have at least one handle. The funnel-typeapparatus may further have a remote operating mechanism allowing anoperator to rotate or adjust the funnel-type apparatus from a cab of amixer truck or other location. The funnel-type apparatus may beconstructed of a light-weight, non-reactive polymer, plastic or metal.The aperture formed in the base of the funnel element can be adjustableto accurately control the flow of concrete.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a funnel-type apparatusremovably secured to a concrete chute of a mixer truck;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of area 2 of the funnel-type apparatusremovably secured to the concrete chute as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of a funnel-type apparatusremovably securable to a concrete chute in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the funnel-type apparatus disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an example of a funnel-typeapparatus removably securable to a concrete chute in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the funnel-type apparatus disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an example of a funnel-typeapparatus removably securable to a concrete chute in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the funnel-type apparatus disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an example of a funnel-typeapparatus removably securable to a concrete chute in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the funnel-type apparatus disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of an example of a funnel-typeapparatus removably securable to a concrete chute in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the funnel-type apparatus disclosed herein;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view along line 8-8 of the funnel-typeapparatus removably securable to a concrete chute shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a schematic bottom view of an example of a funnel-typeapparatus removably securable to a concrete chute in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the funnel-type apparatus disclosed herein;

FIG. 10 is another schematic bottom view of an example of a funnel-typeapparatus removably securable to a concrete chute in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the funnel-type apparatus disclosed herein;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of another example of a funnel-typeapparatus removably securable to a concrete chute in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the funnel-type apparatus disclosed herein;

FIG. 12 is a cross-section view along line 12-12 of the funnel-typeapparatus removably securable to a concrete chute shown in FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-section view along line 13-13 of the funnel-typeapparatus removably securable to a concrete chute shown in FIG. 12.

Other advantages and features will be apparent from the followingdescription, and from the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The devices and methods discussed herein are merely illustrative ofspecific manners in which to make and use this invention and are not tobe interpreted as limiting in scope.

While the devices and methods have been described with a certain degreeof particularity, it is to be noted that many modifications may be madein the details of the construction and the arrangement of the devicesand components without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure. It is understood that the devices and methods are notlimited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes ofexemplification.

Referring to the figures of the drawings, wherein like numerals ofreference designate like elements throughout the several views, andinitially to FIG. 1, a funnel-type apparatus 10 is removably secured toa concrete chute 12 on the rear end of a mixer truck 16. Existingconcrete chutes 12 may be retrofitted or utilized with the funnel-typeapparatus 10 or a specially designed concrete chute 12 may be utilized.The specially designed concrete chute 12 may replace the last segment inexisting concrete chutes. The specially designed concrete chute 12 mayinclude hinge holes for receipt of a hinge bar 44. The speciallydesigned concrete chute 12 may further include alignment holes forreceipt of an alignment bolt (not shown). The specially designedconcrete chute's 12 hinge holes and alignment holes allow thefunnel-type apparatus 10 to be leveled and oriented for a particularjob. For purposes of illustration, the funnel-type apparatus 10 is shownremovably secured to a rear discharge mixing truck 16; however, thefunnel-type apparatus 10 disclosed herein should not be so limited.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the funnel-type apparatus10 may be used on front discharge mixing trucks, portable concretemixers or any other concrete mixing/delivery devices. The funnel-typeapparatus 10 includes a retainer element 16 coupled to a funnel element18. The funnel element 18 has a base 26, which slopes downwardly andforms an aperture 20 for directing the flow of concrete 22 to a desiredlocation, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as a retaining or masonry wall 24.The base 26 should have sufficient rigidity to withstand the weight ofthe concrete 22. The retainer element 16 may be coupled to the funnelelement 18 for form a unitary funnel-type apparatus 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 10, the funnel-type apparatus 10 isremovably securable to the concrete chute 12 and includes the retainerelement 16 coupled to the funnel element 18. The funnel element 18includes a downwardly sloping base 26 forming the aperture 20 forconcrete 22 to flow through. The aperture 20 may be any size or shape tofit the particulars of a specific job. The size and shape of theaperture 20 may be adjusted in order to accurately control the flow ofthe concrete 22. The downwardly sloping base 26 having the aperture 20formed therein may be exchangeable or replaceable with bases havingdifferent shaped, sized and/or patterned apertures.

The retainer element 16 of the funnel-type apparatus 10 includes asidewall 34 and a receiving section 36 for receipt of the concrete chute12. The sidewall 34 may be generally U-shaped and may include a firstterminal end 38 and a second terminal end 40. The first and secondterminal ends 38 and 40 of the sidewall 34 may include a primary hingehole 42 for receipt of a hinge bar 44 to adjustably secure thefunnel-type apparatus 10 to the concrete chute 12. The primary hingehole 42 and hinge bar 44 allow the level and orientation of thefunnel-type apparatus 10 to be adjusted independently of the angle ofthe concrete chute 12, to which the funnel-type apparatus 10 isremovably secured. The first and second terminal ends 38 and 40 of thesidewall 34 may further include a plurality of adjustment holes 46circumferentially spaced from the primary hinge hole 42. The adjustmentholes 46 may receive an adjustment bar or pin (not shown) to fix theorientation and level of the funnel-type apparatus 10 once it has beadjusted to suit the particular job.

The retainer element 16 may be hingedly secured to the concrete chute 12allowing the retainer element 16 to be adjusted such that it issubstantially horizontal while pouring concrete, independent of theangle of the concrete chute 12. The funnel-type apparatus 10 may be incommunication with the mixer truck 14, thus allowing the rotation andadjustment of the funnel-type apparatus 10 to be controlled byelectronics, such that the operator may be located in the cab of themixer truck or other location.

The retainer element 16 may be rotatably coupled to the funnel element18. When rotatably coupled to the retainer element 16, the funnelelement 18 is capable of rotating 360° with respect to the retainerelement 16. This rotation may be locked by the operator to prevent thefunnel element 18 from inadvertently rotating during operation. Theretainer element 16 may include a gasket 30 forming a seal with thefunnel element 18 to prevent concrete 22 from impeding rotation.

The lower section 32 of retainer element 16 may be substantially annularand may include a collar 35. Collar 35 of the retainer element 16 mayinclude a plurality of bearings 28 or other rotating support. The funnelelement 18 may be substantially annular and include a lip 50. The lip 50of the funnel element 18 may be rotatably coupled to the collar 35 ofthe retainer element 16. The funnel element 18 may also include a handleor knob 48 to aid the operator in rotating the funnel element 18.

The funnel element 18 may be rotatably coupled to the retainer element16 using a lever lock ring 52. The lever lock ring 52 may be generallyU-shaped and have a channel 54 on an interior portion. The lever lockring 52 relies on a lever-activated mechanism 56 to bring the ends 58and 60 of the lever lock ring 52 together. The lever lock ring 52 mayinclude a plurality of bearings 28 allowing the funnel element 18 torotate independently of the retainer element 16. Using of the lever lockring 52 allows the retainer element 16 and the funnel element 18 of thefunnel-type apparatus 10 to be taken apart for ease of cleaning andmaintenance between uses.

The funnel-type apparatus 10 may be constructed of any light-weight,non-reactive and structurally resilient materials, including but notlimited to a polymer, plastic or metal. The funnel-type apparatus 10 mayalso be constructed in varying sizes and shapes to according to the typeof mixer truck 14 or concrete chute 12 to which it is removably secured.The aperture 20 of the funnel element 18 may be of any shape orconfiguration to meet the needs of a particular job.

The funnel-type apparatus 10 may also be remotely controlled allowingthe operator to adjust the level and orientation, along with rotatingthe funnel element 18, from the cab of the mixer truck or otherlocation.

Whereas, the devices and methods have been described in relation to thedrawings and claims, it should be understood that other and furthermodifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be madewithin the spirit and scope of this invention.

1. A funnel-type apparatus removably securable to a concrete chute,comprising: a retainer element having a sidewall and a receiving sectionfor receipt of said concrete chute; a funnel element having a downwardlysloping rigid base and forming an aperture through which concrete flowsto a desired point; wherein said retainer element is coupled to saidfunnel element.
 2. The funnel-type apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidretainer element is coupled to said funnel element to form a unitaryfunnel-type apparatus.
 3. The funnel-type apparatus of claim 1 whereinsaid retainer element further comprises a gasket.
 4. The funnel-typeapparatus of claim 1 wherein said retainer element is rotatably coupledto said funnel element.
 5. The funnel-type apparatus of claim 1 whereinsaid retainer element further comprises a collar having a plurality ofbearings rotatably coupled to a lip of said funnel element.
 6. Thefunnel-type apparatus of claim 1 wherein said retainer element isrotatably coupled to a lip of said funnel element.
 7. The funnel-typeapparatus of claim 6 wherein said retainer element is rotatably coupledto said lip of said funnel element using a lever lock ring.
 8. Thefunnel-type apparatus of claim 7 wherein said lever lock ring includes aplurality of bearings.
 9. The funnel-type apparatus of claim 1 whereinsaid sidewall is generally U-shaped having a first terminal end and asecond terminal end; wherein said first terminal end and said secondterminal end of said U-shaped sidewall include a primary hinge hole toadjustably secure said funnel-type apparatus to said concrete chute. 10.The funnel-type apparatus of claim 9 wherein said first terminal end andsaid second terminal end of said U-shaped sidewall include a pluralityof adjustment holes circumferentially spaced from said primary hingehole; said adjustment holes capable of receipt of an alignment boltallowing said funnel-type apparatus to be adjusted independent of theangle of said concrete chute.
 11. The funnel-type apparatus of claim 1further comprising at least one handle.
 12. The funnel-type apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising a remote operating mechanism allowing anoperator to rotate or adjust said funnel-type apparatus from a cab of amixer truck or other location.
 13. The funnel-type apparatus of claim 1wherein said funnel-type apparatus is constructed of a light-weight,non-reactive polymer, plastic or metal.
 14. The funnel-type apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said aperture formed in said base of said funnel elementis adjustable to accurately control the flow of concrete.
 15. Afunnel-type apparatus removably securable to a concrete chute,comprising: a retainer element having a substantially annular lowersection, a sidewall and a receiving section for receipt of said concretechute; a substantially annular funnel element having a downwardlysloping base and forming an aperture through which concrete flows to adesired point; wherein said lower section of said retainer element iscoupled to said funnel element.
 16. The funnel-type apparatus of claim15 wherein said retainer element is coupled to said funnel element toform a unitary funnel-type apparatus.
 17. The funnel-type apparatus ofclaim 15 wherein said lower section of said retainer element includes agasket.
 18. The funnel-type apparatus of claim 15 wherein said retainerelement is rotatably coupled to said funnel element.
 19. The funnel-typeapparatus of claim 15 wherein said retainer element further comprises acollar having a plurality of bearings rotatably coupled to a lip of saidfunnel element.
 20. The funnel-type apparatus of claim 15 wherein saidretainer element is rotatably coupled to a lip of said funnel elementusing a lever lock ring having a plurality of bearings.
 21. Thefunnel-type apparatus of claim 15 wherein said sidewall is generallyU-shaped having a first terminal end and a second terminal end; saidfirst terminal end and said second terminal end of said U-shapedsidewall having a primary hinge hole to adjustably secure saidfunnel-type apparatus to said concrete chute; said first terminal endand said second terminal end of said U-shaped sidewall having aplurality of adjustment holes circumferentially spaced from said primaryhinge hole; and wherein said adjustment holes capable of receipt of analignment bolt allowing said funnel-type apparatus to be adjustedindependent of the angle of said concrete chute.
 22. The funnel-typeapparatus of claim 15 further comprising at least one handle.
 23. Thefunnel-type apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a remote operatingmechanism allowing an operator to rotate or adjust said funnel-typeapparatus from a cab of a mixer truck or other location.
 24. Thefunnel-type apparatus of claim 15 wherein said funnel-type apparatus isconstructed of a light-weight, non-reactive polymer, plastic or metal.25. The funnel-type apparatus of claim 15 wherein said aperture formedby said base of said funnel element is adjustable to accurately controlthe flow of concrete.